Forest County Potawatomi The Potawatomi, or Keeper of the Fire, belong to an alliance known as the "Three Fires" that was started long ago among three brothers who shared similar lands and backgrounds. All are of the Anishinabe and live in the eastern part of North America. After various wars and migrations, the tribes moved to the Great Lakes Area. The oldest brother, Chippewa (Ojibwa), was given the responsibility of Keeper of the Faith. The middle brother, Ottawa (Odawa), was the Keeper of the Trade, and the youngest brother, Potawatomi (Bode Wad Mi), was responsible for keeping the Sacred Fire; hence the name, "Keeper of the Fire." The Forest County Potawatomi Reservation contains approximately 12,000 acres of checkerboard land in Forest County. Once landless due to a series of treaties, the tribe has lived here since they purchased the land in 1913. Currently, the Potawatomi Tribe consists of approximately 1,200+ tribal members, of which about half reside on or near the reservation. Along Highway 8 is an historical marker identifying the "Northern Highlands," a beautiful glacially carved region of lakes and streams swimming with fish, together with forests rich with wildlife. Located on tribal lands near Crandon is Sugar Bush Hill. At 1,950 feet above sea level, Sugar Bush Hill is the second highest point in Wisconsin. From it, one can observe an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding forests and lakes. The Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum is a great place to learn more about the tribe, its native lands, and fascinating history and culture. It houses an archive, a library, a cultural hall and a 2,700 square foot permanent exhibit entitled: "People of the Three Fires." tribe is experiencing an unprecedented era of growth and prosperity. The Potawatomi Bingo/ Northern Lights Casino is located on Highway 32 just north of Carter, Wisconsin. Adjacent to it is the Indian Springs Lodge. Nearby are the Potawatomi Convenience Store and Smoke Shop. On U.S. Highway 8 four miles east of Crandon is the Fire-Up Smoke Shop, which carries not only tobacco products, but a large variety of fireworks and Native American arts and crafts as well. The Potawatomi have also recently opened a new Health and Wellness Center. Travel north on Highway H out of Wabeno and you will find the Potawatomi Red Deer Ranch. These red deer are raised for market and nearly 100% of each animal is utilized. The Ranch is open for tours. It is quite exciting to see hundreds of deer and especially the large stags with their huge antlers, some weighing up to 800 pounds. Pow wow's are held at various times during the year and the public is welcome. The main Pow-wows are held in March and August. A telephone call to the tribal center is suggested for the exact dates and times. Crandon, also located in Forest County, is the site of the famous Chevy Truck World Championship Off-Road Races. The Spring Run 101 is held in June and the "Brush Run," in September. In the winter, the track is used for world class Snowcross races as well. The Forest County Potawatomi tribe is a proud sponsor of these exciting events. Tribal gaming operations have expanded to include the notable Potawatomi Casino & Bingo in downtown Milwaukee, a popular entertainment venue that caters to meetings and banquets as well. For more information about Forest County Potawatomi, call (800) 777- 1640 or (800) 960- 5479. Or visit our award winning website www.fcpotawatomi.com (800) 777- 1640 or (800) 960- 5479. Or visit our award winning website www.fcpotawatomi.com Did You know Facts The Potawatomi pronunciation for Wauwatosa is "wa wa te si" and it means firefly. U.S. citizenship was not granted to Native Americans until 1924. 43 treaties were made by the U.S. government and the Potawatomi. More than any other tribe or band. The Potawatomi pronunciation for Mequon is "mi gwen" and it means feather. There are eight bands that form the Potawatomi Nation. They are the: Forest Co., Citizen, Hannahville, Pokagon, Huron, Gun Lake, Canadian and Prairie band(s). The Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum The beautifully designed Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum demonstrates the efforts the Forest County Band of Potawatomi are taking to preserve and extend their culture to future generations. The Museum proudly displays a 2,700 square foot circular exhibit called the "People of the Three Fires." This extensive exhibit is divided into four main sections. The first, entitled "The Long Walk," details the history of the Potawatomi. The second is an interactive language section, entitled "People Who Share a Language." The third is a display of different traditional elements, called "Traditional" With the last section revealing the heritage of the present day tribe. Other areas of interest within the Museum include the Wall of Treaties with replicas of each of the forty-three American and seven Canadian treaties that have been signed by the U.S. government and the Potawatomi. There is also an interactive language kiosk that allows educators and other interested parties to look up words and phrases and hear how they should sound. A trip to the Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum is an enlightening and meaningful experience for people of all ages. It is located two miles east of Crandon just off Highways 8 and 32 on Everybody Road. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays by appointment. A nominal admission fee is charged. School tours are offered and the public is welcome. Pow-wow The pow-wow is a link to the past that helps maintain our native heritage. It is a spiritual legacy that should be treated with respect and honor. It is a time for families to unite with other family members and friends. It is a time of sharing, of laughter and tears, of learning, and of caring. It is a time to honor our past and celebrate the future. Each pow-wow begins with the Grand Entry, flag ceremonies, prayers, blessings, and introductions of visiting dignitaries and royalty. The Grand Entry is a parade of dancers into the circle. Men, women, and children enter by category of dance style. Leading the parade are flag bearers, usually veterans who carry national, tribal, and veterans�organizational flags. The prominent flag is the Indian flag decorated with either bald or golden eagle feathers, beads and trade cloth. This flag symbolizes all Indian people and is secured in a place of honor within the circle. Three general kinds of dancing are inter-tribal, contest and social dancing. Inter-tribal dancing consists of all tribes present and all dance categories, ages and gender. There is no need to wear "costume" or "regalia.". Contest dancing is broken down by categories, age and gender. For example, Men's Traditional, Fancy and Grass,. Women's Traditional, Fancy shawl, Jingle and so on. Socials or specials are dance events that take place between inter-tribal and contest dancing. These can be dance-oriented events like exhibitions, special contests or honoring. Attractions Fire-Up Smoke Shop Fireworks and Native American arts and crafts. East of Crandon on Hwy. 8., (715) 478-5120 Sugar Bush Hill. Second highest point in Wisconsin. 1,950 feet above sea level. The Potawatomi Health and Wellness Center East of Crandon, North off of Hwy. 8 on Everybody- Road. (715) 478-7300 Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum, 5460 Everybody- Road, Crandon, WI. (800) 960-5479 Ext. 7474 Potawatomi Red Deer Ranch County Hwy. H North of Wabeno. (715) 674-4502 Potawatomi Convenience Store (Gift Shop) Hwy. 32, Carter. (715) 473-5100 Forest County Potawatomi 1721 West Canal Street Milwaukee WI, 53233 Fax: (414) 847-7895 http://www.fcpotawatomi.com Lodging Information